Saskatchewan communities working together to promote safe cycling
At the request of the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, Don McMorris, Minister Responsible for SGI designated May 11 -17 2015 as Provincial Bicycle Safety Week in Saskatchewan. The Prevention Institute and its community-based partners will be engaged in activities to encourage Saskatchewan families and children to enjoy summer by practicing safe cycling.
What are Safe Cycling Behaviours?
Whether you are biking in a rural setting or in an urban setting, the rules, skills, and best practices for bicycle safety are the same.
• Ride single file on the right-hand side of the road.
• Use correct hand signals when turning, changing lanes, or stopping.
• Look both ways before crossing the road.
• Walk bikes across pedestrian crosswalks.
• Obey traffic lights and signs.
• Be aware of obstacles on the road such as potholes, loose gravel, and slippery surfaces.
• Ride with caution.
• Wear a helmet on every ride.
How can Parents and Caregivers Help?
• Role model safe behaviours for children, including wearing a helmet every time you ride.
• Teach children the necessary skills to safely cycle in their community.
• Supervise children when they are learning new skills.
What can Communities do to Participate in Bicycle Safety Week?
• Provide support for safe cycling initiatives, such as: positive ticketing for helmet use, subsidized helmet cost programs, bike rodeos and other safety events, bike repair clinics
.
• Provide infrastructure to support safe cycling.
